Scottish Dog Breeds: The Beautiful Breeds That Originate in Scotland

Ah, Scotland. Is there any place as magical as thee? Rolling green hills. Culture. Castles.

It’s the home of the Loch Ness Monster, kilts and golf.

It has the world’s coolest national animal, the unicorn, and the most adorable canines, Scottish terriers.

So, if you’ve come here to learn more about the wee furry friends of the Scottish folk, you’re in luck because we have compiled a list of our 10 favorite Scottish dog breeds just for you.

No. 1: The Scottish Terrier

Perhaps the most notable of the Scottish dog breeds due to his name, the Scottish terrier is a unique-looking dog who is believed to be one of the oldest breeds native to the U.K.

Hailing from the Scottish Highlands, the Scottish terrier, or Scottie, was created as a tiny hunter, keeping his domain free of pests like rodents and helping his masters find foxes and badgers.

The Scottish terrier went from rags to riches during the 17th Century, after King James 1 of England found himself smitten with the breed and began offering him as gifts to visitors and friends.

The first Scottie dog to be registered by the American Kennel Club (AKC) was a spritely little Scottish terrier named Prince Charlie in 1885.

The breed’s popularity skyrocketed during the 1930s and 1940s, at a time where a number of famous owners found themselves undoubtedly charmed by this feisty little breed, including the likes of Humphrey Bogart and Bette Davis.

Even President Franklin Roosevelt was captivated by the Scottie. In fact, his dog Fala remains one of history’s most legendary Scotties to date.

What Is He Up to Now?

The modern-day Scottie makes for a lively little companion dog.

Ranking in at number 58 out of 194 on the American Kennel Club’s list of most popular dog breeds, the Scottie makes for a great family pet when properly socialized.

He even excels in show.

His Qualities and Personality

A confident breed, the Scottish terrier is called the “die-hard” dog for a reason.

Weighing in at 18-22 pounds and standing a mere 10 inches tall, the Scottie is said to be a big dog in a small body.

He is bright, independent, and human-like in character.

A sensitive breed, this dog does best in homes with singles, couples or families with older children over the age of 10.

He needs lots of exercise and plenty of attention, but he can be adaptable to both homes and apartments as long as his exercise needs are being met.

And although the Scottie can have aggressive tendencies toward dogs he is not raised with, proper socialization and obedience training beginning in puppyhood should help to reduce these unwanted behaviors.

Health Issues and Life Span

With a life span of up to 12 years, the Scottish terrier is most prone to suffering cataracts, neurological issues, progressive retinal atrophy, brain cancer, bladder cancer, bladder stones, hypothyroidism, Cushing’s disease, vonWillebrand’s disease, deafness and hemophilia.

No. 2: The Scottish Deerhound

The Scottish deerhound’s origin goes so far back it is difficult to determine his truest roots.

Still, it is believed that he was likely perusing the Scottish hills long before the 9th century when the Scotts themselves arrived.

It has been suggested that the Scottish deerhound descends from a time when ancient tribes would use massive hounds to stalk the 400-pound wild red deer, hence the name “deerhound.”

Celebrated for his courage, the deerhound is considered the “Royal Dog of Scotland.”

What Is He Up to Now?

Ranking in at number 154 out of 194 on the American Kennel Club’s list of most popular dog breeds, the Scottish deerhound is still used for hunting today.

However, his intelligence and gentle nature also makes him a great family pet.

His Qualities and Personality

One of the tallest of the Scottish dog breeds, the Scottish deerhound can grow to be anywhere from 28-32 inches tall and weigh a whopping 75-110 pounds.

Now that is a big Scottish dog.

Although his size can be daunting, the deerhound is a gentle, sensitive breed who wants nothing more than to be with his family.

Still, this is not the breed for everyone, especially the very busy. The Scottish deerhound not only needs a lot of time, attention and affection, but he also does best with another doggy playmate and a large, fenced-in backyard.

He does not do well if left alone for hours at a time. He also requires extensive socialization and obedience training in puppyhood to ensure he grows into a happy, well-rounded adult.

Health Issues and Life Span

Like many larger dog breeds, even the healthiest deerhound has somewhat of a shorter life expectancy.

Living roughly eight to 11 years, the Scottish deerhound is also prone to a number of health issues, including heart disease, bone cancer and bloat. The deerhound may also be sensitive to certain drugs and anesthesia.

No. 3: The Shetland Sheepdog

One of the most intelligent Scottish dog breeds, the Shetland sheepdog, looks like a smaller version of the rough-coat collie.

Bred on the Shetland Islands, the breed was used primarily for herding livestock.

They were purposefully bred to be smaller than most other herding breeds due to the harsh landscape of the Shetland Islands, where food was scarce.

And of course, the smaller the dog, the less they need to eat.

Shetland sheepdogs were more or less a sheltered breed due to their lives on the secluded Shetland Island, and they remained this way until the 20th century when they were finally discovered by the rest of Britain.

Officiated first by the Kennel Club of England in 1909, the breed was originally called the Shetland collie.

However, the name was quickly changed to Shetland sheepdog due to the voiced dissatisfaction from a number of Collie enthusiasts.

The American Kennel Club recognized the Shetland sheepdog in 1911, where his obedient nature and clever mind landed him at number 24 out of 194 on the AKC’s list of America’s most popular dog breeds.

What Is He Up to Now?

The Shetland sheepdog’s working days are behind him, although one may still find him on a farm from time to time herding sheep and poultry.

But for the most part, the Shetland sheepdog’s compact size, unwavering energy and playful nature makes him a wonderful pet for families and singles alike.

He also excels in show and is a renowned champ at obedience, agility and herding sports.

His Qualities and Personality

Highly energetic, incredibly spirited and extremely clever, the Shetland sheepdog is an excellent dog for nearly anyone with the time and patience to train him.

This breed stands at 13-16 inches and weighs around 15-25 pounds.

He does well with children of all ages and makes a great companion to other dogs.

However, this is a herding breed at heart, and he will not be able to resist herding everything from the youngsters of the home to other household pets.

Eager to please and highly intelligent, the Shetland sheepdog requires early socialization and obedience training in puppyhood to ensure he does not grow up anxious and is adaptable in most every situation.

Training, exercise and mental stimulation are going to play key roles in this breed’s happiness and overall health as he is so active and intelligent.

Health Issues and Life Span

Living around 12-14 years, the Shetland sheepdog is prone to Coloboma, eyelash abnormalities, Collie eye anomaly, corneal dystrophy, cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, epilepsy and heart disease.

No. 4: The Skye Terrier

Perhaps one of the most unique looking of the Scottish dog breeds, the Skye terrier was created in the 1600s to work on the Skye Island in Scotland.

Though he began as a humble farm dog, working to eradicate his domain of pests, his distinctive appearance made him a top choice for lords and ladies in the 19th century.

Queen Victoria herself was perhaps the first of the breed’s advocates. Shortly thereafter one would be hard-pressed to find a noble lady out and about without her trusty long-coated Skye terrier.

What Is He Up to Now?

Sitting at number 178 out of 194, the Skye terrier is said to be a true terrier breed.

He loves to dig and bark, and has a tendency to chase after smaller animals. Although unlike most terriers, he is rather calm and level-headed.

His working days are over now, and the Skye terrier typically enjoys family life with his beloved people.

He is known to do well in show, although his intelligence can be outweighed by his independent tendencies.

His Qualities and Personality

Weighing in at 35 to 45 pounds and standing 10 inches tall, this adorable and cunning breed does best in homes with adults or families with older children.

And while the Skye terrier is highly intelligent, he is also pretty stubborn.

Early socialization and obedience training are necessary for this breed to grow up into a well-rounded terrier.

Owners must keep in mind that he is sensitive and does not respond well to harsh punishments or scolding.

Despite his independent nature, the Skye terrier is eager to please. With proper training that utilizes praise and the positive reward system, he makes a fabulous and very lovable companion.

Health Issues and Life Span

This Scottish dog breed has a life expectancy of about 12 to 14 years.

A prospective owner of the Skye terrier should keep an eye out for glaucoma, lens luxation, hypothyroidism, von Willebrand’s disease, allergies and ulcerative colitis.

Furthermore, the Skye terrier is prone to something called “Skye limp” or “puppy limp,” which can affect young pups between the age of three and 1] months.

No. 5: The Bearded Collie

The bearded collie has been known throughout history by many a name.

Referred to as the Highland collie, the mountain collie and the beardie, the bearded collie is one of the most famous Scottish dog breeds around.

Bred for herding and droving, the bearded collie was a favorite amongst shepherds for his hardiness and resiliency amid the harsh terrain of the Scottish Highlands.

It is believed that bearded collies are most likely descendants from Polish Lowland sheepdogs who arrived in Scotland during the 1500s.

Although he spent most of his early history working for shepherds, evidence from the 1700s suggests the breed rose from a modest peasant’s dog to a noble’s companion.

The breed was perfected during the 1800s, at which time he also became a popular dog in show.

Unfortunately, the beardie was nearly wiped out during the first World War, but enthusiastic breeders refused to let the breed die out.

In 1977, the bearded collie found himself registered with the American Kennel Club.

Today he sits at number 126 out of 194 on the list of America’s most popular dog breeds.

What Is He Up to Now?

Today’s beardie is a beloved family pet and a showman’s champion, excelling in competitions such as agility, obedience, rally, and of course, herding.

He also makes for a fabulous family dog, getting on well with both children and other household pets.

His Qualities and Personality

As far as Scottish dog breeds go, the beardie is perhaps one of the most energetic and playful.

Although he can have somewhat of a stubborn streak, for the most part, a well-socialized and trained beardie is an excellent addition to any family.

Standing at 20 to 22 inches tall and weighing in at 45 to 55 pounds, the bearded collie is a gorgeous ball of bouncy fun.

However, prospective owners should keep in mind that his level of energy will be difficult to match.

He would do best in homes with large, fenced-in backyards where he can run and play to his heart’s content.

This breed requires quite a bit in the way of grooming, as his fur can grow rather long and be prone to matting.

Health Issues and Life Span

The bearded collie has a life expectancy of about 12 to 14 years, which is pretty average for these Scottish dog breeds.

However, there are a few health concerns a future owner should be aware of, such as hip dysplasia, colonic disease, pemphigus, epilepsy and hypoadrenocorticism.

No. 6: The Gordon Setter

The Gordon setter is a noble bird-dog who was bred and perfected by the Fourth Duke of Gordon, Alexander, during the 1800s.

Despite the breed being refined by Duke Alexander and subsequently named after him, it is believed this breed’s lineage dates as far back as the 1620s.

Established in the Scottish Highlands to withstand the rugged environment and hunt game birds, Gordon setters are the likely descendants of ancient hounds and collies.

What Is He Up to Now?

Today, the Gordon setter sits at number 104 out of 194 on the American Kennel Club’s list of most popular dog breeds.

He makes an excellent companion dog due to his loyalty and affectionate nature, and his athletic disposition means he makes a wonderful show dog.

His Qualities and Personality

Weighing in at 45 to 80 pounds and standing 23 to 27 inches tall, this gorgeous breed is a showstopper indeed.

Although he can be one of the more stubborn Scottish dog breeds, the Gordon setter is known for his intelligence and ability to pick up on commands.

He learns rather quickly and wants nothing more than to please his family. This is a breed who becomes tightly bonded to his people and will not do well left to his own devices.

Aside from hunting, the Gordon setter was also used as a nanny dog, and he, therefore, has an affinity for children.

This is a faithful companion breed who is sensitive, loving, and requires a firm but patient hand during training.

As always, early socialization and obedience training will be key in keeping your Gordon setter happy and well-rounded. Experts recommend teaching him simple commands as early as possible, such as “come,” “no” and so on.

Weekly grooming is vital for this breed who is prone to matting, and so is monthly bathing with a high-quality dog shampoo.

Health Issues and Life Span

Living 12 to 13 years, the Gordon setter can be susceptible to gastric torsion (bloat), hip and elbow dysplasia, cerebellar abiotrophy, progressive retinal atrophy, and hypothyroidism.

No. 7: The Dandie Dinmont Terrier

A funny-looking little terrier, the Dandie Dinmont hails from the Cheviot Hills near Scotland. His most recent documentation in history comes from the 1700s, where the breed was described as a “four-legged poacher.”

Used to control the otter and badger population, the feisty little Dandie Dinmont was named after a farming character in Scottish Author Sir Walter Scott’s novels.

Scott, who referred to the breed as the “big little dog,” due to his big-dog ego and courageous nature, is credited with bringing this breed to public attention.

The breed found favor amongst royalty during the 19th century, with owners including Queen Victoria and King Louis Philippe.

What Is He Up to Now?

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier may not be the best known of the Scottish dog breeds, but that doesn’t make him any less admired by those who love him.

Despite his hunting origins, the Dandie Dinmont is best utilized as a house dog, though he also does well in show.

His Qualities and Personality

One of the most distinct-looking Scottish dog breeds, the Dandie Dinmont terrier is known for his long body, short legs, and large head that carries upon it a puffy crown of hair.

He weighs approximately 18 to 24 pounds and stands eight to 11 inches tall.

Though he can be a bit stubborn, this breed makes a wonderful family companion because he does so well with children and adults alike.

He gets on well with other household pets, although his hunting instincts means he will take off after smaller animals.

Like all dogs, the Dandie Dinmont will need early socialization and obedience training to grow up into a happy, healthy, well-rounded dog.

Health Issues and Life Span

With a lifespan of 12 to 15 years, the Dandie Dinmont is most prone to cheyletiella mites infections, glaucoma and intervertebral disk disease.

No. 8: The Golden Retriever

Most everyone knows and loves the golden retriever.

Sited as the fifth most popular dog breed worldwide, the golden retriever hails from Scotland and was created by Dudley Marjoribanks, the first Lord Tweedmouth.

Thanks to Tweedmouth’s careful breeding and meticulous records, we know that the golden retriever was created to withstand the harsh, wet landscape of the Scottish Highlands.

Originally a gun-dog, the golden retriever was used to retrieve fallen prey for his masters.

What Is He Up to Now?

The golden retriever is one of the world’s most favorite dog breeds, and he sits at number three in America, according to the AKC’s list of America’s most popular dogs.

While he thrives as a family pet, the golden retriever also makes a remarkable service dog for those in need.

He gets along with most anyone and is generally a great choice for first-time dog owners due to his easyggoing nature and happy-go-lucky disposition.

His Qualities and Personality

The golden retriever is intelligent, loyal and oh-so-lovable.

A friendly breed known for his love of family, possible owners should note that he can be slow to mature and is highly energetic well into adulthood.

Still, the golden retriever makes a fabulous choice for the novice dog owner because he is typically easy to train and eager to please.

As with all dogs, early socialization and obedience training are key to ensuring the golden retriever grows up happy and healthy.

Health Issues and Life Span

Easily the most popular of the Scottish dog breeds, the golden retriever has a lifespan of 10 to 12 years.

Prospective owners should look out for health issues such as hypothyroidism, subaortic stenosis, eye problems, elbow dysplasia, seizures, mast cell tumors and osteosarcoma.

No. 9: The Border Terrier

Previously known as the Ullswater terrier, Reedwater terrier, and the Coquetdale terrier, the Border terrier is believed to hail from the countryside of the Scottish border.

Tired of the predatory fox stealing their sheep, farmers and shepherds created a breed they believed would be quick enough to keep up with foxhounds and horses, yet tiny enough to dig a fox out of his den.

Agile and canny, the Border terrier can get himself out of almost any situation. He is a cunning, intelligent breed known for his gutsy personality and endearing spirit.

What Is He Up to Now?

The Border terrier, who sits at number 86 out of 194 on the AKC’s list of most popular dog breeds, makes an excellent companion for those in need of a rough-and-tumble tag-along.

This is a breed who also does well in show due to his intelligence and eagerness to please.

His Qualities and Personality

The Border terrier is a small but bold little breed, standing at a mere 12 to 15 inches tall and weighing only 11.5 to 14 pounds.

His short, wire-haired coat is easy to maintain. His affectionate personality makes him a favorite amongst families with children and other household pets.

He is incredibly sensitive and should never be scolded or harshly punished.

Health Issues and Life Span

With a life span of 12 to 15 years, the Border terrier is most prone to seizures, hip dysplasia, Perthes disease, juvenile cataracts, heart issues, progressive retinal atrophy and canine epileptoid cramping syndrome.

No 10: The Border Collie

Another of the Scottish Dog breeds hailing from the Scottish border, the border collie is the descendant of ancient Roman breeds and Viking spitzes.

Bred to withstand the harsh Scottish Highlands, this breed is known as “the world’s greatest herder,” and is the perfect combination of work ethic, intelligence, and beauty.

What Is He Up to Now?

The border collie remains a favorite amongst farmers and is still considered to be one of the most intelligent dog breeds in the world.

And while he makes an excellent family pet, the border collie is a champ when it comes to show, excelling in agility, obedience and sheepdog trials.

His Qualities and Personality

Being amongst the most intelligent breeds does not mean the border collie is the easiest dog to own.

While not recommended for the novice dog owner, the border collie does make a fabulous choice for those who are patient enough and consistent enough to train this breed.

The border collie is an active, clever dog who will not do well just sitting around snoozing all day. He needs plenty of mental and physical stimulation to stay happy and an owner who can keep up with his cleverness.

Ranking in at number 38 out of 194 on the AKC’s list of most popular dog breeds, the border collie is a great dog for kids and does well with other household pets.

Of course, seeing as he is so intelligent, this is a breed who will do well with early socialization and obedience training beginning in puppyhood.

Health Issues and Life Span

The border collie has a life span of 12 to 15 years.

He can also be prone to progressive retinal atrophy, seizures, osteochondritis dissecans, lens luxation, patent ductus arteriosus, hypothyroidism, Collie eye anomaly and hip dysplasia.

Should I Get a Scottish Dog Breed?

Since most Scottish dog breeds were created for herding, the majority of them are smart and active dogs who enjoy being around their families and need a lot of time and attention.

If you think a Scottish puppy would fit into your lifestyle, we recommend doing plenty of research to ensure you go through the right sources to find him.

Keep in mind that reputable breeders will be able to offer health certificates proving their dogs have been cleared of any major health issues.

Good luck, and happy Scottie dog finding.

References and Further Reading:

Ackerman, L.J., 1999, “The Genetic Connection; a Guide to Health Problems in Purebred Dogs,” 2nd Edition

Haywood, S., Rutgers, H.C., and.Christian, M.K., 1988, “Hepatitis and Copper Accumulation in Skye Terriers,” Veterinary Pathology

Howell, T.J., King, T., and Bennett, P.C., 2015, “Puppy Parties and Beyond: The Role of Early Age Socialization Practices on Adult Dog Behavior,” Vol. 6, pgs. 143-153

Mason, T.A., et al., 1971, “Collie Eye Anomaly,” Australian Veterinary Journal

Sutter, N.B. and Ostrander, E.A., 2004, “Dog Star Rising: The Canine Genetic System,” Nature Reviews Genetics, Vol. 5, pgs. 900-910

van der Merwe, L.L. and Lane, E., 2008, “Diagnosis of Cerebellar Cortical Degeneration in a Scottish Terrier Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging,” Journal of Small Animal Practice

Vila, C., Maldonado, J.E., and Wayne, R.K., 1999, “Phylogenetic Relationships, Evolution, and Genetic Diversity of the Domestic Dog,” Journal of Heredity, Vol. 90, Issue 1, pgs. 71-77